The top-level meeting of eight political parties held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar today failed to arrive at a consensus on the future interim government.

The meeting was postponed until Monday afternoon for further discussion on distribution of portfolios and the common minimum programme (CMP) of the interim government. Prime Minister Koirala had left the meeting early due to his bad health, leaders informed.

Though the top leaders were to meet at 8:00 in the morning the meeting started later in the afternoon as some of the leaders arrived late.

Even as the taskforce finalised and presented the draft of the CMP at the top leaders’ meeting the parties are said to be divided over the priorities of the interim government and the privileges of the Prime Minister.

Differences grew amongst the parties with the Nepali Congress insisting on retaining plum ministries like home, finance and defence along with the top two posts – prime minister and deputy prime minister.

Maoist chairman Prachanda, CPN (UML) general secretary Madhav Nepal and other top leaders were present at the eight-party meeting.